Car Profiles - Toyota Hilux

TOYOTA HILUX10 years later, a new styled Hilux makes its debut. A cabin which is as comfy as a car and new sets of engines having more grunt comes standard. Prices have gone high though.The Good: New and neat technologies tucked inThe Bad: Prices are higher than beforePrice Range: P929,000-P1,685,000Our Rating: ***Last Update: July 31, 2015OWNERSHIP...

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Hyundai Elantra Wagon - Generation 2 (1996-2000)

HYUNDAI ELANTRA WAGON (1996-2000)Hyundai's first attempt locally to compete with the Corolla/Civic rivalry, the Elantra Wagon (a rarity) has all McPherson struts, all disc brakes, and ABS braking system, The nameplate would return seven years later after being discontinued.See the overview of this Elantra WagonOWNERSHIP DETAILSWagonYears AvailableJuly...

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Peugeot 206 - Generation 1 (2003-2007)

PEUGEOT 206 (2003-2007)The smallest vehicle in Peugeot's line-up, the 206 is similarly sized to the Jazz but equipment levels are Picanto like especially that rear windows are manually operated for a French vehicle costing more. With continuous price increases and less dealer support, Peugeot pulled the plug in 2007 until a return five years later.See...

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Volvo V50 - Generation 2 (2004-2013)

VOLVO V50 (2004-2013)Simultaneously released with its sedan (S40) counterpart, the V50 does not have any differences other than body style. Apart from that, there's not much else and this one got discontinued in 2011 although sales stopped in 2013.See the overview of this V50OWNERSHIP DETAILS2.4iYears AvailableSeptember 2004-April 2013ENGINE SPECSEngine2.4...

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Chery Cowin - Generation 1 (2007-2012)

CHERY COWIN (2007-2012)Slotting below the A5, the Cowin is aimed primarily towards the taxi and fleet market. The SEAT Toledo inspired sedan falls flat, and got discontinued in 2012.See the overview of this CowinOWNERSHIP DETAILS1.6Years AvailableJuly 2007-2012ENGINE SPECSEngine1.6 SOHC 16V I4Horsepower116hp @ 6,000rpmTorque149Nm @ 4,500rpmFuel TypeGasoline/93...

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Chery A5 - Generation 1 (2007-2012)

CHERY A5 (2007-2012)Released in 2007, the A5 is positioned above the Cowin (which is a crude car) that carries a 1.6 engine and power amenities. Although it looked decent, not so good sales had it discontinued in 2012.See the overview of this A5OWNERSHIP DETAILS1.6 ACTECOYears AvailableJuly 2007-2012ENGINE SPECSEngine1.6 DOHC 16V I4Horsepower108hp...

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Car Profiles - Mahindra Enforcer

MAHINDRA ENFORCERYour next patrol car that protects your municipality would be this Mahindra SUV, which can be had in either single or double cab in both 4x2 or 4x4 models. Price Range: P650,000-P895,000Last Update: July 25, 2015OWNERSHIP DETAILSDouble Cab 4x4Double Cab 4x2Single Cab 4x4Single Cab 4x2PriceP895,000P750,000P795,000P650,000Warranty3...

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Car Profiles - Mahindra Xylo

MAHINDRA XYLOCompeting with the Innova and Crosswind, the Xylo offers a fresh breath from the popular rivals. One advantage is a diesel engine which produces more torque than its main rival and a multitude of seating configurations for just P850,000.The Good: You get more options for the priceThe Bad: Some unrefinementPrice Range: P850,000Our Rating:...

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Car Profiles - BMW X6

BMW X6The king of niches was treated to a second generation model which gains more luggage room and an 8-speed automatic. Only one engine is offered: a 3.0 diesel that produces 560Nm of torque.The Good: BMW's performance is still thereThe Bad: Not for everyonePrice Range: P7,790,000Our Rating: ***Last Update: July 25, 2015OWNERSHIP DETAILSX6PriceP7,790,000Warranty2...

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Car Profiles - MG GT

MG GTThe GT may be the brand's expensive offering for now, but looking at its option sheet may justify things. Turbo engines and a sunroof can be availed for just below a million bucks, with good looks a bonus.The Good: Amenities for the priceThe Bad: Unknown and untestedPrice Range: P895,000-P995,000Our Rating: ***Last Update: July 25, 2015OWNERSHIP...

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Dodge Caliber - Generation 1 (2007-2009)

DODGE CALIBER (2007-2009)After getting luck with high end American automobiles, CATS Motors tried their luck with the Caliber, which was packaged as a high end vehicle in Asia (it is Dodge's cheapest car in its line up back then) but falls short to hide its economy car roots. Not enough fortunes with this, it was pulled out in 2009.See the overview...

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Car Features - May 2015 Philippines Car Sales Figures

In May 2015, 23,248 cars found a buyer which brings the total to 131,846 for the year. They've just updated the figures just recently so let's go to the details.No bunch of surprises here, the Vios sells 2,886 (that's just almost the same amount when the sales of the Fortuners and Montero Sports sold in the same month are combined) units, which incidentally...

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Mazda MPV - Generation 1.2 (1996-1998)

MAZDA MPV (1996-1998)With Francisco Motors having the E200 Power Van, Columbian Autocar Corporation imported the MPV from Japan. This one gets a 2.5 diesel engine and seating for 7, as opposed to the gasoline and 8 seater combination elsewhere.See the overview of this MPVOWNERSHIP DETAILSMPVYears AvailableApril 1996-1998ENGINE SPECSEngine2.5 SOHC 12V...

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Honda Odyssey - Generation 1 (1997-1998)

HONDA ODYSSEY (1997-1998)The Odyssey was Honda's first vehicle with a third row seat to be offered locally. With just below 200 units being brought here, it is marketed as a limited edition vehicle. The nameplate would return after 14 years.See the overview of this OdysseySee the latest model of the OdysseyOWNERSHIP DETAILSOdysseyYears AvailableApril...

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Toyota Land Cruiser - Generation 8 (2003-2007)

TOYOTA LAND CRUISER (2003-2007)The original Land Cruiser (1993-1998) was dropped from the line-up but Toyota brought in this vehicle in eight generation guise in 2003. Local models gained TEMS suspension, active height control, automatic sound levelizer among others. However, the 4.2 diesel comes with a manual and rear wheel drive. Grey market models...

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Foton View - Generation 1 (2010-2014)

FOTON VIEW (2010-2014)This Hiace clone (how many Hiace vans had the Chinese copied?) from Foton but with 15 seats and a 2.8 diesel. Aimed towards the fleet market, this one does not have any power amenities save for steering and carries a basic interior. This van was replaced by the more upmarket (but Hiace Super Grandia looking) View Traveller.See...

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Volkswagen Touareg - Generation 1 (2004-2006)

VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG (2004-2006)Volkswagen's first attempt in the SUV race, the Touareg shares its platform with the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne. Two models are available, a 3.2 V6 and 4.2 V8 petrol engines. No thanks to poor management, the entire Volkswagen line was discontinued in 2006.See the overview of this TouaregSee the latest model of the TouaregOWNERSHIP...

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